In a high-stakes diplomatic push, French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to support a winter moratorium on Russian strikes targeting Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. The appeal, made during Macron’s three-day state visit to Beijing beginning December 3, 2025, comes as Europe braces for another cold season under the shadow of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine—a conflict Macron described as a direct threat to both European security and the international order.
"We must join forces to secure, as quickly as possible, at least a ceasefire in the form of a moratorium on strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure throughout the winter," Macron declared at a press conference following his meeting with Xi, according to Ukrinform. The French leader’s words were clear: civilian infrastructure, and especially energy systems, have become prime targets for Russian attacks, and the consequences for the Ukrainian people could be dire if these strikes persist through the harsh winter months.
Macron’s message was not just about immediate humanitarian relief. He stressed that the war in Ukraine poses a significant threat to the stability of Europe as a whole. As reported by RBC Ukraine, Macron warned that the conflict undermines the international order built "on the rule of law and the effectiveness of our shared charter." He added, "I believe that we both understand the seriousness of the situation and the need for a truly strong and long-term peace. You know how committed France is to this, and I hope that we can strengthen our cooperation in this area."
France’s president did not mince words about the responsibility that falls on the shoulders of global powers. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, both France and China bear a "special responsibility" to do everything possible to reach compromises that respect international law and maintain long-term stability, Macron noted. He urged Beijing to leverage its considerable influence over Moscow, pushing for a peace agreement that aligns with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Macron’s diplomatic overture to China follows a period of renewed activity among world leaders seeking an end to the war. Just prior to his Beijing visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Paris, appealing to European allies for continued support. Meanwhile, Washington has been advancing a peace plan that, according to France24, echoes several of Moscow’s demands—a development that has reportedly motivated Macron to spearhead a more Europe-focused diplomatic effort.
For his part, Xi Jinping responded with measured optimism. During the press conference, he stated that China "supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace" in Ukraine and hopes for a "just settlement" through negotiations. Xi emphasized that Beijing intends to play a "constructive role" in resolving the conflict and will "continue to oppose any irresponsible actions involving blame-shifting and smearing China." As UNN reported, Xi insisted that any agreement must be "fair and binding, acceptable to all parties."
The French president’s proposal for a winter ceasefire is rooted in deep concern for the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. The country’s energy grid has already suffered repeated blows from Russian missile and drone attacks, leaving millions vulnerable to blackouts and freezing temperatures. Macron’s call, as reported by Ukrainian News, was for China to join European efforts "for the sake of stability and protection of international law." He argued that a moratorium on strikes during the winter is "crucial," especially as civilian infrastructure continues to bear the brunt of hostilities.
Macron’s visit to Beijing was not confined to discussions about Ukraine. Trade and broader diplomatic cooperation were also on the agenda, reflecting the complex web of interests that define France-China relations. But the war in Ukraine dominated the headlines, underscoring the urgency of the moment and the high expectations placed on China’s global role.
Behind the scenes, however, China’s actions have drawn scrutiny from Western observers. On November 12, 2025, Bloomberg reported that China was ramping up imports of sanctioned Russian liquefied natural gas and building a domestic "shadow fleet" to circumvent U.S. restrictions. Just days later, on November 24, the Financial Times revealed that Chinese exporters had been raising prices on goods bound for Russia’s military-industrial complex, exploiting the Kremlin’s growing dependence on Chinese supplies under Western sanctions. These developments have fueled concerns in Europe and the United States that China’s economic ties with Russia may be undermining efforts to pressure Moscow into ending the war.
Still, Macron’s tone during his visit remained hopeful, if pragmatic. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the importance of engaging China as a partner in peace. "I hope that China will join our call and our efforts to achieve, as soon as possible, at least a ceasefire in the form of a moratorium on strikes on critical infrastructure," Macron said, as quoted by UNN. He reiterated that such cooperation is essential for the coming winter, given the ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector.
European leaders have echoed Macron’s sentiments. On December 4, António Costa, President of the European Council, expressed the EU’s hope that China would help end the Russian-Ukrainian war, according to Ukrainian News. Earlier Chinese statements have suggested that Beijing hopes for the "soonest possible elimination of the causes" of the conflict, signaling at least rhetorical alignment with calls for a diplomatic solution.
As the world watches, the stakes remain high. The coming winter threatens to bring fresh hardship to Ukraine’s civilians if attacks on energy infrastructure persist. Macron’s proposal for a winter moratorium represents an attempt to carve out a humanitarian pause—one that could create space for broader negotiations and, perhaps, lay the groundwork for a lasting peace. Whether China will translate its supportive rhetoric into concrete diplomatic pressure on Moscow remains to be seen. For now, the call for a ceasefire hangs in the balance, a test of international resolve and the power of global diplomacy to shape the outcome of Europe’s most dangerous conflict in decades.
